Mark 14:20

KJV

And he answered and said unto them, [It is] one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G1161} he answered {G611} and said {G2036} unto them {G846}, It is one {G1520} of {G1537} the twelve {G1427}, that dippeth {G1686} with {G3326} me {G1700} in {G1519} the dish {G5165}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"It's one of the Twelve," he said to them, "someone dipping matzah in the dish with me.

Berean Standard Bible

He answered, “It is one of the Twelve—the one who is dipping his hand into the bowl with Me.

American Standard Version

And he said unto them, It is one of the twelve, he that dippeth with me in the dish.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Mark 14:20, Jesus responds to His disciples' anguished query about who among them would betray Him, revealing that the betrayer is "one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish." This statement, delivered during the solemn Last Supper, subtly yet pointedly identifies Judas Iscariot not as an external enemy, but as an intimate companion, highlighting the profound irony and tragedy of betrayal from within the closest circle of fellowship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Mark 14:20 is situated within the intensely dramatic narrative of Jesus' final hours before His crucifixion, specifically during the Passover meal with His disciples. The preceding verses (Mark 14:17-19) describe Jesus' shocking announcement that "one of you which eateth with me shall betray me," leading to the disciples' distressed and individual questioning, "Is it I?" Jesus' response in verse 20 serves as a more specific, though still veiled, identification, narrowing the field from any disciple to one who shares a particular intimate act with Him. This moment sets the stage for the subsequent events of Judas's departure, Jesus' institution of the Lord's Supper, the Olivet Discourse, and ultimately, the betrayal in Gethsemane. The narrative meticulously builds the tension around the impending betrayal, emphasizing its internal origin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is a Passover Seder, a highly significant annual Jewish feast commemorating the Exodus from Egypt. Meals in ancient Near Eastern culture, particularly communal ones like the Passover, were deeply symbolic of covenant, fellowship, and peace. Sharing food from a common dish, as implied by "dippeth with me in the dish," was an act of profound intimacy and trust, signifying a shared life and loyalty. This practice would have been commonplace, and for Jesus to identify the betrayer through such an intimate act underscores the heinous nature of Judas's treachery. The meal would have taken place in an "upper room" in Jerusalem, a city brimming with religious and political tension during the Passover festival, making the impending events even more volatile.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Mark's Gospel and biblical theology. Foremost is the theme of **Betrayal from Within**, emphasizing that the greatest wounds often come from those closest to us, echoing themes found in [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a trusted friend"). It also highlights **Divine Foreknowledge and Sovereignty**, as Jesus demonstrates His awareness of the precise circumstances of His betrayal, indicating that these events, though tragic, were not outside of God's predetermined plan for salvation, as seen in [Luke 22:22](/luke/22-22 "Luke 22:22 - The Son of Man Goes as It Was Determined"). Furthermore, the verse underscores the **Paradox of Intimacy and Treachery**, where the very act symbolizing deep fellowship becomes the marker for the ultimate act of disloyalty, a stark contrast to the true communion Jesus desires with His followers, as depicted in [John 15:13-15](/john/15-13-15 "John 15:13-15 - Jesus Calls His Disciples Friends").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **One (Greek, _heîs'_):** From G1520, this primary numeral signifies singularity, indicating that the betrayer is a specific individual among the group. In this context, it emphasizes the shocking reality that out of the chosen twelve, only one would commit such an act of treachery. It points to a distinct person, not a group, making the identification personal and precise.
* **Dippeth (Greek, _embáptō'_):** From G1686, meaning "to whelm on" or "wet by contact with a fluid," this verb describes the act of dipping something (like bread or herbs) into a communal dish. It implies shared participation in a meal, a common practice symbolizing close fellowship and hospitality in ancient Jewish culture. The present participle form ("that dippeth") indicates an ongoing or characteristic action, further emphasizing the intimate relationship shared between Jesus and the betrayer.
* **Dish (Greek, _trýblion'_):** From G5165, referring to a shallow bowl or platter. This object is central to the imagery, as it is the communal vessel from which participants would eat. The presence of a shared dish reinforces the idea of a shared meal and, by extension, shared life and trust. The betrayer is not an outsider but one who literally shares from the same source of sustenance and fellowship as Jesus.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he answered and said unto them,"**: This introductory clause establishes Jesus' response to the disciples' anxious questioning ("Is it I?"). It highlights Jesus' calm and authoritative demeanor even in the face of impending betrayal, demonstrating His divine knowledge and control over the unfolding events. His answer is deliberate and intentional, not a surprised reaction.
* **"It is one of the twelve,"**: This phrase immediately narrows the scope of the betrayer's identity. It confirms that the traitor is not an external enemy or a random individual, but someone from Jesus' inner circle, one of the specifically chosen apostles. This revelation would have been particularly shocking and painful for the disciples, as it indicated a deep breach of trust within their most intimate community.
* **"that dippeth with me in the dish."**: This final clause provides the specific, albeit still indirect, identifier. The act of dipping from a communal dish was a sign of close fellowship and shared intimacy, particularly during a sacred meal like the Passover. By pointing to this shared action, Jesus reveals that the betrayer is not merely "one of the twelve," but one who shares a profound bond of trust and communion with Him, making the betrayal all the more poignant and tragic.

#### Literary Devices
Mark 14:20 employs several powerful literary devices. **Irony** is central, as the act of sharing a dish, a symbol of intimacy and trust, becomes the very means of identifying the betrayer. This stark contrast between outward communion and inward treachery amplifies the tragic nature of Judas's actions. The verse also utilizes **Foreshadowing**, subtly pointing to the betrayer without explicitly naming Judas, building suspense and preparing the audience for the subsequent events of the betrayal. Furthermore, there is an element of **Symbolism** in the "dish" itself, representing shared life, sustenance, and covenant. The defilement of this symbol by an act of betrayal underscores the spiritual depth of Judas's sin.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Mark 14:20 profoundly illustrates the dark reality of betrayal, especially when it originates from within a circle of trust and intimacy. This incident is not merely a historical event but a theological statement about human depravity and the cost of discipleship. It reveals that even those closest to God can harbor darkness and succumb to temptation, yet it also underscores God's sovereign plan, which incorporates even the most heinous acts of human sin into His redemptive purpose. The foreknowledge of Jesus, coupled with His willingness to endure such betrayal, speaks volumes about His unwavering commitment to His mission and His profound love for humanity, even for His betrayer. This event serves as a stark reminder that true fellowship requires genuine loyalty and that even in the face of treachery, God's ultimate plan will prevail.

* [Psalm 55:12-14](/psalms/55-12-14 "Psalm 55:12-14 - Betrayal by a Friend")
* [John 13:18](/john/13-18 "John 13:18 - Scripture Must Be Fulfilled")
* [Acts 1:16-17](/acts/1-16-17 "Acts 1:16-17 - Judas's Betrayal Foretold")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The scene in Mark 14:20, where Jesus identifies His betrayer through an act of shared intimacy, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It confronts us with the sobering reality that betrayal can emerge from the most unexpected places—even from within the church or our closest relationships. This calls for spiritual discernment and a realistic understanding of human nature, which, apart from Christ, is prone to sin and self-interest. More importantly, it serves as a powerful call to self-examination, echoing the disciples' urgent question, "Is it I?" We are challenged to regularly scrutinize our own hearts, motives, and loyalties, ensuring that our commitment to Christ is sincere and unwavering. Are we truly "dipping in the dish" with Jesus in genuine fellowship, or are we harboring a spirit of treachery, even subtly, through compromise, apathy, or unconfessed sin? This passage reminds us that true discipleship demands not just outward association but inward devotion and fidelity to our Lord, even when it is difficult or costly.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might you be "dipping in the dish" with Christ outwardly, but harboring a spirit of disloyalty or compromise inwardly?**
* **How does Jesus' foreknowledge of the betrayal, yet His willingness to proceed, challenge or comfort you in difficult situations?**
* **What steps can you take to cultivate deeper loyalty and faithfulness in your relationship with Christ and within your Christian community?**

### FAQ
**Why didn't Jesus explicitly name Judas at this moment?**

Answer: Jesus' indirect identification of Judas as "one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish" serves several purposes. Firstly, it fulfills Old Testament prophecy, such as [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - My Trusted Friend Has Lifted His Heel Against Me"), which speaks of a trusted companion lifting his heel against Him. Secondly, it highlights the profound irony and tragedy of the betrayal – that it came from an intimate associate, not an obvious enemy. Explicitly naming Judas might have provoked an immediate confrontation or even prevented the betrayal, which was part of God's redemptive plan. By using a descriptive phrase, Jesus offers Judas one last opportunity for repentance, while also subtly revealing his identity to the other disciples without causing premature chaos. This veiled revelation emphasizes Jesus' divine foreknowledge and control, even over the darkest human actions.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Mark 14:20, though a moment of profound human betrayal, is ultimately a testament to the Christ-centered fulfillment of God's redemptive plan. Jesus, the Lamb of God, willingly entered into this betrayal, not as a victim caught off guard, but as the sovereign Son of God who knew "what was about to happen to him" ([John 18:4](/john/18-4 "John 18:4 - Jesus Knows What Is Coming")). His identification of the betrayer, one with whom He shared the most intimate act of a meal, underscores the depth of His sacrifice. He allowed Himself to be betrayed by a friend, fulfilling prophecies like [Psalm 41:9](/psalms/41-9 "Psalm 41:9 - Betrayal by a Trusted Friend"), to ultimately become the atoning sacrifice for all humanity. This act of betrayal, foreseen and permitted by Christ, was a necessary step towards the cross, where He would bear the sin of the world and secure salvation. Thus, even in the shadow of treachery, we see the unwavering resolve of Christ to accomplish His mission, demonstrating that His love is so vast that it embraces even the one who would betray Him, offering a path to redemption for all who believe, as beautifully articulated in [Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "Romans 5:8 - God Demonstrates His Love"). The "dish" of shared fellowship, defiled by Judas, is ultimately transformed into the cup and bread of the New Covenant, representing Christ's body broken and blood shed for the forgiveness of sins, inviting all to a true and eternal communion with Him ([Luke 22:19-20](/luke/22-19-20 "Luke 22:19-20 - Institution of the Lord's Supper")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 13:26

Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped [it]. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave [it] to Judas Iscariot, [the son] of Simon.

Mark 14:43

¶ And immediately, while he yet spake, cometh Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders.

Matthew 26:23

And he answered and said, He that dippeth [his] hand with me in the dish, the same shall betray me.

Luke 22:47

¶ And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.

Matthew 26:47

¶ And while he yet spake, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people.

John 6:71

He spake of Judas Iscariot [the son] of Simon: for he it was that should betray him, being one of the twelve.